Which has more recalls, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?

The GMC Acadia has more recalls (17) compared to the Nissan Pathfinder (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder has fewer owner complaints (457) versus 770 for the GMC Acadia. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Nissan Pathfinder is cheaper to maintain at $542/year versus $734/year for the GMC Acadia.

Is the GMC Acadia or Nissan Pathfinder safer?

Both the GMC Acadia and Nissan Pathfinder received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder: Reliability Compared

GMC Acadia

Good

More Reliable

Nissan Pathfinder

Good

Choosing between the GMC Acadia and the Nissan Pathfinder? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Pathfinder currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Acadia and Nissan Pathfinder Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Nissan Pathfinder is in its fifth generation, which began with the 2022 model year. It received a facelift in 2023, indicating it's early in its generation cycle. Typically, newer platforms may experience some first-year issues as manufacturers address initial design or production challenges. In contrast, the GMC Acadia is in its third generation, which started in 2024. This makes it even earlier in its cycle than the Pathfinder, suggesting potential teething problems are still being resolved. The previous generations of both models had undergone significant facelifts, which often help improve reliability as issues are ironed out over time.

Verdict

The Nissan Pathfinder is more reliable than the GMC Acadia, scoring 74/100 vs 70/100.

The Nissan Pathfinder demonstrates a slight edge in reliability over the GMC Acadia, with an average reliability score of 73/100 compared to the Acadia's 69/100. The Pathfinder also benefits from a lower owner complaint rate of 3.5 per 10,000 sold, whereas the Acadia's complaint data lacks normalization for direct comparison. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates favor the Pathfinder with an annual cost of $542, significantly less than the Acadia's $734. While both models have issues with power train and electrical systems, the Pathfinder's lower recall count of 14 versus the Acadia's 17 further solidifies its superior reliability standing.

Key Differences

1Nissan Pathfinder costs $192 less per year to repair
2Nissan Pathfinder scores 4 points higher in reliability
3Nissan Pathfinder has 4% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

0GMC Acadia

—

4Nissan Pathfinder

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Acadia	Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability Score	70/100	74/100
Years Tracked	8	8
Total Recalls	17	14
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	770	457
Annual Repair Cost	$734/yr	$542/yr
Repair Frequency	0.4/yr	0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk	19%	15%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	1 (2 tied)	4 (2 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Acadia and Nissan Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder and GMC Acadia exhibit differing problem profiles, with the Acadia having a higher total number of complaints. The Acadia shows significant issues with the power train and electrical system, both categories having over 100 complaints and multiple crash-linked incidents, indicating potential safety concerns. Conversely, the Pathfinder's most frequently reported issues are in the categories of unknown or other, electrical system, and power train, with fewer crash-linked complaints overall. Notably, the Acadia also has a higher incidence of airbag-related complaints, with a substantial proportion being crash-related, a safety aspect less prominent in the Pathfinder's profile.

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Acadia	Nissan Pathfinder
POWER TRAIN	200	60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	139	64
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	106	64
SERVICE BRAKES	70	58
ENGINE	37	35
STEERING	55	10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	23	13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7	21
AIR BAGS	12	12
SEATS	3	16
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	8	4
STRUCTURE	2	10
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	4	7
SEAT BELTS	9	—
FUEL SYSTEM	4	3
SUSPENSION	4	3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	6	—
VISIBILITY/WIPER	2	3
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—	3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2	—
LANE DEPARTURE	2	—

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC Acadia or Nissan Pathfinder?

Based on industry estimates, the Nissan Pathfinder has an annual repair cost of $542, while the GMC Acadia incurs $734. This difference of $192 per year translates to $960 over five years, favoring the Pathfinder for cost-conscious buyers. Both vehicles share a repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year, indicating similar reliability in terms of needing repairs. However, the major repair risk is higher for the Acadia at 19% compared to the Pathfinder's 15%. Considering the lower annual repair costs and reduced risk for major repairs, the Nissan Pathfinder presents a better value for those looking to minimize maintenance expenses.

How Does GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Acadia	Nissan Pathfinder	Edge
2026	76/1000R / 0C	82/1000R / 1C	Nissan Pathfinder
2025	76/1000R / 51C	78/1001R / 25C	Nissan Pathfinder
2024	76/1000R / 51C	74/1002R / 38C	GMC Acadia
2023	64/1004R / 37C	74/1001R / 86C	Nissan Pathfinder
2022	66/1003R / 44C	66/1005R / 119C	Tie
2020	62/1006R / 84C	78/1000R / 43C	Nissan Pathfinder
2018	68/1002R / 369C	68/1003R / 74C	Tie

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 GMC Acadia scored 76/100 and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Acadia vs the Nissan Pathfinder?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Nissan Pathfinder might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 73 out of 100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $542, it offers a solid balance of dependability and affordability. The Pathfinder's owner complaints are relatively low at 3.5 per 10,000 sold, and it has fewer recalls (14) compared to the GMC Acadia. While it does have a 15% risk for major repairs, the overall package is appealing for those seeking a reliable vehicle with manageable expenses. On the other hand, if you value features or brand loyalty to GMC, the Acadia might still be worth considering. Despite its slightly lower reliability score of 69 and higher estimated annual repair cost of $734, it could appeal to those who prioritize specific features or design elements unique to GMC. However, be aware of its higher major repair risk at 19% and a greater number of total recalls (17), which might lead to more frequent trips to the service center.

GMC Acadia vs Nissan Pathfinder: Common Questions

Is the GMC Acadia more reliable than the Nissan Pathfinder?: Based on our data, the Nissan Pathfinder is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 70/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?: The GMC Acadia has more recalls (17) compared to the Nissan Pathfinder (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?: The Nissan Pathfinder has fewer owner complaints (457) versus 770 for the GMC Acadia. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC Acadia or the Nissan Pathfinder?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Nissan Pathfinder is cheaper to maintain at $542/year versus $734/year for the GMC Acadia.
Is the GMC Acadia or Nissan Pathfinder safer?: Both the GMC Acadia and Nissan Pathfinder received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More GMC Acadia comparisons

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More Nissan Pathfinder comparisons

Nissan Pathfinder vs Ford Explorer reliability Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Highlander reliability Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Pilot reliability Nissan Pathfinder vs Chevrolet Traverse reliability Nissan Pathfinder reliability by year Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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